Genesis 2

Genesis 2:1

The Sixth Day: Man

Also on the sixth day God speaks twice. The creation of man is introduced in a special way and explained in a special way. We hear the special introduction in the words “let Us make man”. It means that there has been consultation in God. The word “Us” indicates that God is triune.

The special explanation is that God creates man “in Our image, according to Our likeness”. We see the image of God in the position that man occupies as the head of creation: he is God’s representative in it. The likeness of God is expressed in man’s actions: he acts with insight into creation. Because of this high place of man we are called to honor all people (1 Peter 2:17; James 3:9), even though man has fallen into such decay by sin and is sometimes compared to an unreasoning animal (Jude 1:10; 2 Peter 2:12).

God creates man “male and female” (Genesis 1:27b; Genesis 5:2; Matthew 19:4; Mark 10:6). There is, so to speak, a male and a female variant of man. God has created one man, and this man is, as it were, a two-unity. Modern man makes frantic efforts to erase the distinction, but that is downright folly.

For the difference between man and woman, the attack on it and the rebuttal by means of the Word of God, see the booklet ‘Sexuality, a gift from God. Part 1’ on ]

“God blessed them” by saying to man that he may fill the earth and subdue it. This blessing is more than giving the strength to be fruitful and to become numerous, as has been said of sea animals and birds (Genesis 1:22). It is also the power over the earth and all animals.

Genesis 2:2

The Sixth Day: Food

After God has finished His acts on the sixth day, He tells man what his food and that of the animals will be. For man, this food is every plant yielding seed, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed. This means that man feeds himself with what in himself has the power of life. That is for the body. The food for the soul is the Word of God (Matthew 4:4), which is also compared to seed, but then imperishable seed (1 Peter 1:23). The beasts and birds get every green plant for food.

The food of man does not originally include the meat of animals, nor do the animals eat each other. Violent killing of animals is not an issue. This will only happen when the fall into sin and the flood have occurred (Genesis 9:3). That there are originally no carnivorous and tearing animals is also proven by the state of the realm of peace.

When God’s kingdom is established and sin can no longer do its devastating work, the killing in the realm of the animals will stop: “And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little boy will lead them. Also the cow and the bear will graze, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child will put his hand on the viper’s den” (Isaiah 11:6-8).

Genesis 2:3

The Sixth Day: Food

After God has finished His acts on the sixth day, He tells man what his food and that of the animals will be. For man, this food is every plant yielding seed, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed. This means that man feeds himself with what in himself has the power of life. That is for the body. The food for the soul is the Word of God (Matthew 4:4), which is also compared to seed, but then imperishable seed (1 Peter 1:23). The beasts and birds get every green plant for food.

The food of man does not originally include the meat of animals, nor do the animals eat each other. Violent killing of animals is not an issue. This will only happen when the fall into sin and the flood have occurred (Genesis 9:3). That there are originally no carnivorous and tearing animals is also proven by the state of the realm of peace.

When God’s kingdom is established and sin can no longer do its devastating work, the killing in the realm of the animals will stop: “And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little boy will lead them. Also the cow and the bear will graze, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child will put his hand on the viper’s den” (Isaiah 11:6-8).

Genesis 2:4

The Sixth day: Everything Was Very Good

After each day of creation, God said of the result: “It was good.” The sixth day is a unique day. If God sees the result of all His work on this day, He can have it recorded as a conclusion of the entire work of creation: “And behold, it was very good.” This means that everything is perfect, so that every creature serves the purpose for which God created it.

In all of God’s actions in this chapter we see a picture of His plan with the world we live in now. God gave the earth to Adam and Eve to rule over it. Thus, soon He will be giving to Christ, “the last Adam” (1 Corinthians 15:45), together with the church, of which Eve is a picture (2 Corinthians 11:2-3), the government over all things in heaven and on earth, “the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth” (Ephesians 1:10). And so, “as Head over all things”, God “gave Him … to the church” (Ephesians 1:22).

Christ will then be the center of the universe. Everything shall be put under His feet (Psalms 8:4-9) and honor Him: “And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, [be] blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever”” (Revelation 5:13).

In the spiritual development of the believer, this is also the goal toward God is working. He wants Christ to be formed in every believer (Galatians 4:19), that he shows Christ in his deeds (2 Corinthians 3:3). If one’s life is only about Christ, in spiritual growth the ‘father’-stage is reached (1 John 2:13-14).

Genesis 2:6

The Seventh Day

On the seventh day God rests from all His work, which is summarized in “the heavens and the earth …, and all their hosts”. “Their hosts” are all living beings that fill the heavens and the earth. God has come to His goal. Therefore He blesses and sanctifies that day.

This rest of God has come to an end through sin. In John 5 the Lord Jesus says: “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working” (John 5:17; cf. Isaiah 43:24b). Those who believe in Christ and His work on the cross enter the sabbath rest in a spiritual way (Matthew 11:28).

Yet God will reach His goal with creation also in a literal sense. In the realm of peace, when the Lord Jesus reigns, the sabbath rest (Hebrews 4:9) for creation, for man and for God will last for 1,000 years.

Genesis 2:7

The Seventh Day

On the seventh day God rests from all His work, which is summarized in “the heavens and the earth …, and all their hosts”. “Their hosts” are all living beings that fill the heavens and the earth. God has come to His goal. Therefore He blesses and sanctifies that day.

This rest of God has come to an end through sin. In John 5 the Lord Jesus says: “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working” (John 5:17; cf. Isaiah 43:24b). Those who believe in Christ and His work on the cross enter the sabbath rest in a spiritual way (Matthew 11:28).

Yet God will reach His goal with creation also in a literal sense. In the realm of peace, when the Lord Jesus reigns, the sabbath rest (Hebrews 4:9) for creation, for man and for God will last for 1,000 years.

Genesis 2:8

The Seventh Day

On the seventh day God rests from all His work, which is summarized in “the heavens and the earth …, and all their hosts”. “Their hosts” are all living beings that fill the heavens and the earth. God has come to His goal. Therefore He blesses and sanctifies that day.

This rest of God has come to an end through sin. In John 5 the Lord Jesus says: “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working” (John 5:17; cf. Isaiah 43:24b). Those who believe in Christ and His work on the cross enter the sabbath rest in a spiritual way (Matthew 11:28).

Yet God will reach His goal with creation also in a literal sense. In the realm of peace, when the Lord Jesus reigns, the sabbath rest (Hebrews 4:9) for creation, for man and for God will last for 1,000 years.

Genesis 2:9

Creation Before Man Was There

In Genesis 2:4 begins again a report of what happened at creation, with the addition of some new details. That is done brief. It is as it were a quick run-up to the actual subject: the human being. It is expressly stated that man is not yet there. That man is the writer’s concern is also evident from the name used for God from Genesis 2:4, “LORD God”, Jahwe Elohim, that is the name that indicates His relationship with man.

Genesis 2:10

Creation Before Man Was There

In Genesis 2:4 begins again a report of what happened at creation, with the addition of some new details. That is done brief. It is as it were a quick run-up to the actual subject: the human being. It is expressly stated that man is not yet there. That man is the writer’s concern is also evident from the name used for God from Genesis 2:4, “LORD God”, Jahwe Elohim, that is the name that indicates His relationship with man.

Genesis 2:11

Creation Before Man Was There

In Genesis 2:4 begins again a report of what happened at creation, with the addition of some new details. That is done brief. It is as it were a quick run-up to the actual subject: the human being. It is expressly stated that man is not yet there. That man is the writer’s concern is also evident from the name used for God from Genesis 2:4, “LORD God”, Jahwe Elohim, that is the name that indicates His relationship with man.

Genesis 2:12

Man Becomes a Living Being

This verse describes the special way in which God formed man and made him “a living being” or a living soul. The word ‘formed’ describes the work of an artist. God forms man out of the earth (1 Corinthians 15:47a), because the whole existence of man is connected to the earth. He belongs there (Psalms 115:16b). But God also connects him with Himself by breathing the breath of life into him. That’s why he stands above the animals. By it man also received an immortal soul.

By breathing in the breath of life, man changes from an outer form into a living being. This also makes him a spiritual being with the ability to serve and follow God.

Genesis 2:13

Paradise with Man

In the midst of all the creation that God has already created for the benefit of man, He makes an exceptionally beautiful part where He places man. ‘Garden’ is literally a ‘garden protected by a fence’. The Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, uses the word ‘paradise’ in three places as an indication for artistically designed parks (Song of Solomon 4:13 [orchard=paradise]; Ecclesiastes 2:5 [parks=paradise]; Nehemiah 2:8 [forest=paradise]).

“Eden” means ‘pleasure’ or ‘highest pleasure’. That is a good name for this most beautiful place on earth, where the LORD God places man. It speaks of the abounding goodness of God for man. In a way, Eden is a picture of Israel, when we consider that from that people the Lord Jesus came forth through which the blessing flows to the whole world. He is “the Savior of the world” (John 4:42).

Paradise is a pleasure garden, where man may enjoy exuberantly, although with a certain limitation, which is given in Genesis 2:17. This limitation makes paradise at the same time a testing ground for obedience to faith.

The tree of life is explicitly said to be “in the midst of the garden”, while the tree of the knowledge of good and evil is said to be also in paradise. The tree of life shows man that he has no life in himself, but that he depends on “the tree of life”. This also applies to the believer, who has no life in himself, but has it in the Son, the true tree of life. “He who has the Son has the life” (1 John 5:12a).

The “tree of the knowledge of good and evil” teaches man that he must be obedient to One Who stands above him in order to enjoy life.

Genesis 2:14

Paradise with Man

In the midst of all the creation that God has already created for the benefit of man, He makes an exceptionally beautiful part where He places man. ‘Garden’ is literally a ‘garden protected by a fence’. The Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, uses the word ‘paradise’ in three places as an indication for artistically designed parks (Song of Solomon 4:13 [orchard=paradise]; Ecclesiastes 2:5 [parks=paradise]; Nehemiah 2:8 [forest=paradise]).

“Eden” means ‘pleasure’ or ‘highest pleasure’. That is a good name for this most beautiful place on earth, where the LORD God places man. It speaks of the abounding goodness of God for man. In a way, Eden is a picture of Israel, when we consider that from that people the Lord Jesus came forth through which the blessing flows to the whole world. He is “the Savior of the world” (John 4:42).

Paradise is a pleasure garden, where man may enjoy exuberantly, although with a certain limitation, which is given in Genesis 2:17. This limitation makes paradise at the same time a testing ground for obedience to faith.

The tree of life is explicitly said to be “in the midst of the garden”, while the tree of the knowledge of good and evil is said to be also in paradise. The tree of life shows man that he has no life in himself, but that he depends on “the tree of life”. This also applies to the believer, who has no life in himself, but has it in the Son, the true tree of life. “He who has the Son has the life” (1 John 5:12a).

The “tree of the knowledge of good and evil” teaches man that he must be obedient to One Who stands above him in order to enjoy life.

Genesis 2:15

A River Flows out of Paradise

A river flows out of Eden. It first waters the garden. From the garden the river divides and becomes four rivers. The number four is the number of the earth (Revelation 7:1a; Revelation 20:8). The river is a channel of blessing. Here we see that from the garden the blessing flows out over the whole earth. In the future, in the millennial realm of peace, a river of water of life will flow out of the direct presence of God, out of the new temple (Ezekiel 47:1). This river will give freshness and life (Ezekiel 47:9; Revelation 22:1-2).

In these rivers we can see a picture of the refreshing and rich working of God’s Spirit, which is compared with rivers of living water (John 7:38-39). Thereby the believer can already spiritually enjoy what will soon be generally enjoyed on earth.

Eden is the origin of blessing for the whole earth that receives this blessing, through the river that flows out of Eden, in a fourfold way. That it is an abundant blessing is already apparent from the name of the first tributary. “Pishon” means “free flowing”, “richly flowing”, “overflowing”. This can also be said of God’s blessing for the believer, for He blessed him with “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly [places] in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). It says “every” and that really is everything. It is everything God could have thought of to give His sons. That can only be rich and abundant.

The Pishon flows “around the whole land of Havilah”. ‘Havilah’ means ‘sand land’. This points to the earthly existence of man. But in that ‘sand land’ is “gold”, to which is added that this gold is “good”. Connected to the river that flows around it, it is reminiscent of the work of God’s Spirit, through which the believer, who lives in “sand land”, finds God’s Word as a “great spoil” (Psalms 119:162). God’s Word is more precious than gold (Psalms 19:10; Psalms 119:72; 127). Gold also speaks of the glory of God and of Christ. Through the Spirit that glory is presented to us through God’s Word. That is the ‘good gold’.

In the country Havilah are also “the bdellium and the onyx stone”. Bdellium is reminiscent of the manna (Numbers 11:7) and therefore of the Lord Jesus as the bread of life (John 6:31-33). The onyx stone appears on the breastplate of the high priest (Exodus 28:20) and determines us by the Lord Jesus as our High Priest in heaven.

The name of the second river is “Gihon”, which means ‘breakthrough’. This river flows through “the whole land of Cusj”. ‘Cusj’ means ‘dark colored’ or ‘black’. This is reminiscent of man in the blackness of his sins on whom the Spirit of God works to bless him. No one is excluded from this activity of God’s Spirit.

The third river is called “Tigris”, which means ‘arrow’ or ‘like an arrow’. This river flows east of Assyria. Assyria reveals himself in Scripture as a rebel against God and the enemy of God’s people (Isaiah 10:5; 12). But also to this hostile people comes the grace of God fast like an arrow (Isaiah 19:23-25).

The fourth river is called “Euphrates”, which means ‘sweetly’ or ‘sweet water’. Where it flows, is not mentioned here. The Euphrates will be the north-eastern border of Israel in the realm of peace (Genesis 15:18). This again determines us by the general blessing that God has for every human being and for the whole earth. In order to participate in it, repentance and faith are necessary, but the call to participate may be made to all people, without exception.

Genesis 2:16

A River Flows out of Paradise

A river flows out of Eden. It first waters the garden. From the garden the river divides and becomes four rivers. The number four is the number of the earth (Revelation 7:1a; Revelation 20:8). The river is a channel of blessing. Here we see that from the garden the blessing flows out over the whole earth. In the future, in the millennial realm of peace, a river of water of life will flow out of the direct presence of God, out of the new temple (Ezekiel 47:1). This river will give freshness and life (Ezekiel 47:9; Revelation 22:1-2).

In these rivers we can see a picture of the refreshing and rich working of God’s Spirit, which is compared with rivers of living water (John 7:38-39). Thereby the believer can already spiritually enjoy what will soon be generally enjoyed on earth.

Eden is the origin of blessing for the whole earth that receives this blessing, through the river that flows out of Eden, in a fourfold way. That it is an abundant blessing is already apparent from the name of the first tributary. “Pishon” means “free flowing”, “richly flowing”, “overflowing”. This can also be said of God’s blessing for the believer, for He blessed him with “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly [places] in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). It says “every” and that really is everything. It is everything God could have thought of to give His sons. That can only be rich and abundant.

The Pishon flows “around the whole land of Havilah”. ‘Havilah’ means ‘sand land’. This points to the earthly existence of man. But in that ‘sand land’ is “gold”, to which is added that this gold is “good”. Connected to the river that flows around it, it is reminiscent of the work of God’s Spirit, through which the believer, who lives in “sand land”, finds God’s Word as a “great spoil” (Psalms 119:162). God’s Word is more precious than gold (Psalms 19:10; Psalms 119:72; 127). Gold also speaks of the glory of God and of Christ. Through the Spirit that glory is presented to us through God’s Word. That is the ‘good gold’.

In the country Havilah are also “the bdellium and the onyx stone”. Bdellium is reminiscent of the manna (Numbers 11:7) and therefore of the Lord Jesus as the bread of life (John 6:31-33). The onyx stone appears on the breastplate of the high priest (Exodus 28:20) and determines us by the Lord Jesus as our High Priest in heaven.

The name of the second river is “Gihon”, which means ‘breakthrough’. This river flows through “the whole land of Cusj”. ‘Cusj’ means ‘dark colored’ or ‘black’. This is reminiscent of man in the blackness of his sins on whom the Spirit of God works to bless him. No one is excluded from this activity of God’s Spirit.

The third river is called “Tigris”, which means ‘arrow’ or ‘like an arrow’. This river flows east of Assyria. Assyria reveals himself in Scripture as a rebel against God and the enemy of God’s people (Isaiah 10:5; 12). But also to this hostile people comes the grace of God fast like an arrow (Isaiah 19:23-25).

The fourth river is called “Euphrates”, which means ‘sweetly’ or ‘sweet water’. Where it flows, is not mentioned here. The Euphrates will be the north-eastern border of Israel in the realm of peace (Genesis 15:18). This again determines us by the general blessing that God has for every human being and for the whole earth. In order to participate in it, repentance and faith are necessary, but the call to participate may be made to all people, without exception.

Genesis 2:17

A River Flows out of Paradise

A river flows out of Eden. It first waters the garden. From the garden the river divides and becomes four rivers. The number four is the number of the earth (Revelation 7:1a; Revelation 20:8). The river is a channel of blessing. Here we see that from the garden the blessing flows out over the whole earth. In the future, in the millennial realm of peace, a river of water of life will flow out of the direct presence of God, out of the new temple (Ezekiel 47:1). This river will give freshness and life (Ezekiel 47:9; Revelation 22:1-2).

In these rivers we can see a picture of the refreshing and rich working of God’s Spirit, which is compared with rivers of living water (John 7:38-39). Thereby the believer can already spiritually enjoy what will soon be generally enjoyed on earth.

Eden is the origin of blessing for the whole earth that receives this blessing, through the river that flows out of Eden, in a fourfold way. That it is an abundant blessing is already apparent from the name of the first tributary. “Pishon” means “free flowing”, “richly flowing”, “overflowing”. This can also be said of God’s blessing for the believer, for He blessed him with “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly [places] in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). It says “every” and that really is everything. It is everything God could have thought of to give His sons. That can only be rich and abundant.

The Pishon flows “around the whole land of Havilah”. ‘Havilah’ means ‘sand land’. This points to the earthly existence of man. But in that ‘sand land’ is “gold”, to which is added that this gold is “good”. Connected to the river that flows around it, it is reminiscent of the work of God’s Spirit, through which the believer, who lives in “sand land”, finds God’s Word as a “great spoil” (Psalms 119:162). God’s Word is more precious than gold (Psalms 19:10; Psalms 119:72; 127). Gold also speaks of the glory of God and of Christ. Through the Spirit that glory is presented to us through God’s Word. That is the ‘good gold’.

In the country Havilah are also “the bdellium and the onyx stone”. Bdellium is reminiscent of the manna (Numbers 11:7) and therefore of the Lord Jesus as the bread of life (John 6:31-33). The onyx stone appears on the breastplate of the high priest (Exodus 28:20) and determines us by the Lord Jesus as our High Priest in heaven.

The name of the second river is “Gihon”, which means ‘breakthrough’. This river flows through “the whole land of Cusj”. ‘Cusj’ means ‘dark colored’ or ‘black’. This is reminiscent of man in the blackness of his sins on whom the Spirit of God works to bless him. No one is excluded from this activity of God’s Spirit.

The third river is called “Tigris”, which means ‘arrow’ or ‘like an arrow’. This river flows east of Assyria. Assyria reveals himself in Scripture as a rebel against God and the enemy of God’s people (Isaiah 10:5; 12). But also to this hostile people comes the grace of God fast like an arrow (Isaiah 19:23-25).

The fourth river is called “Euphrates”, which means ‘sweetly’ or ‘sweet water’. Where it flows, is not mentioned here. The Euphrates will be the north-eastern border of Israel in the realm of peace (Genesis 15:18). This again determines us by the general blessing that God has for every human being and for the whole earth. In order to participate in it, repentance and faith are necessary, but the call to participate may be made to all people, without exception.

Genesis 2:18

A River Flows out of Paradise

A river flows out of Eden. It first waters the garden. From the garden the river divides and becomes four rivers. The number four is the number of the earth (Revelation 7:1a; Revelation 20:8). The river is a channel of blessing. Here we see that from the garden the blessing flows out over the whole earth. In the future, in the millennial realm of peace, a river of water of life will flow out of the direct presence of God, out of the new temple (Ezekiel 47:1). This river will give freshness and life (Ezekiel 47:9; Revelation 22:1-2).

In these rivers we can see a picture of the refreshing and rich working of God’s Spirit, which is compared with rivers of living water (John 7:38-39). Thereby the believer can already spiritually enjoy what will soon be generally enjoyed on earth.

Eden is the origin of blessing for the whole earth that receives this blessing, through the river that flows out of Eden, in a fourfold way. That it is an abundant blessing is already apparent from the name of the first tributary. “Pishon” means “free flowing”, “richly flowing”, “overflowing”. This can also be said of God’s blessing for the believer, for He blessed him with “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly [places] in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). It says “every” and that really is everything. It is everything God could have thought of to give His sons. That can only be rich and abundant.

The Pishon flows “around the whole land of Havilah”. ‘Havilah’ means ‘sand land’. This points to the earthly existence of man. But in that ‘sand land’ is “gold”, to which is added that this gold is “good”. Connected to the river that flows around it, it is reminiscent of the work of God’s Spirit, through which the believer, who lives in “sand land”, finds God’s Word as a “great spoil” (Psalms 119:162). God’s Word is more precious than gold (Psalms 19:10; Psalms 119:72; 127). Gold also speaks of the glory of God and of Christ. Through the Spirit that glory is presented to us through God’s Word. That is the ‘good gold’.

In the country Havilah are also “the bdellium and the onyx stone”. Bdellium is reminiscent of the manna (Numbers 11:7) and therefore of the Lord Jesus as the bread of life (John 6:31-33). The onyx stone appears on the breastplate of the high priest (Exodus 28:20) and determines us by the Lord Jesus as our High Priest in heaven.

The name of the second river is “Gihon”, which means ‘breakthrough’. This river flows through “the whole land of Cusj”. ‘Cusj’ means ‘dark colored’ or ‘black’. This is reminiscent of man in the blackness of his sins on whom the Spirit of God works to bless him. No one is excluded from this activity of God’s Spirit.

The third river is called “Tigris”, which means ‘arrow’ or ‘like an arrow’. This river flows east of Assyria. Assyria reveals himself in Scripture as a rebel against God and the enemy of God’s people (Isaiah 10:5; 12). But also to this hostile people comes the grace of God fast like an arrow (Isaiah 19:23-25).

The fourth river is called “Euphrates”, which means ‘sweetly’ or ‘sweet water’. Where it flows, is not mentioned here. The Euphrates will be the north-eastern border of Israel in the realm of peace (Genesis 15:18). This again determines us by the general blessing that God has for every human being and for the whole earth. In order to participate in it, repentance and faith are necessary, but the call to participate may be made to all people, without exception.

Genesis 2:19

A River Flows out of Paradise

A river flows out of Eden. It first waters the garden. From the garden the river divides and becomes four rivers. The number four is the number of the earth (Revelation 7:1a; Revelation 20:8). The river is a channel of blessing. Here we see that from the garden the blessing flows out over the whole earth. In the future, in the millennial realm of peace, a river of water of life will flow out of the direct presence of God, out of the new temple (Ezekiel 47:1). This river will give freshness and life (Ezekiel 47:9; Revelation 22:1-2).

In these rivers we can see a picture of the refreshing and rich working of God’s Spirit, which is compared with rivers of living water (John 7:38-39). Thereby the believer can already spiritually enjoy what will soon be generally enjoyed on earth.

Eden is the origin of blessing for the whole earth that receives this blessing, through the river that flows out of Eden, in a fourfold way. That it is an abundant blessing is already apparent from the name of the first tributary. “Pishon” means “free flowing”, “richly flowing”, “overflowing”. This can also be said of God’s blessing for the believer, for He blessed him with “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly [places] in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). It says “every” and that really is everything. It is everything God could have thought of to give His sons. That can only be rich and abundant.

The Pishon flows “around the whole land of Havilah”. ‘Havilah’ means ‘sand land’. This points to the earthly existence of man. But in that ‘sand land’ is “gold”, to which is added that this gold is “good”. Connected to the river that flows around it, it is reminiscent of the work of God’s Spirit, through which the believer, who lives in “sand land”, finds God’s Word as a “great spoil” (Psalms 119:162). God’s Word is more precious than gold (Psalms 19:10; Psalms 119:72; 127). Gold also speaks of the glory of God and of Christ. Through the Spirit that glory is presented to us through God’s Word. That is the ‘good gold’.

In the country Havilah are also “the bdellium and the onyx stone”. Bdellium is reminiscent of the manna (Numbers 11:7) and therefore of the Lord Jesus as the bread of life (John 6:31-33). The onyx stone appears on the breastplate of the high priest (Exodus 28:20) and determines us by the Lord Jesus as our High Priest in heaven.

The name of the second river is “Gihon”, which means ‘breakthrough’. This river flows through “the whole land of Cusj”. ‘Cusj’ means ‘dark colored’ or ‘black’. This is reminiscent of man in the blackness of his sins on whom the Spirit of God works to bless him. No one is excluded from this activity of God’s Spirit.

The third river is called “Tigris”, which means ‘arrow’ or ‘like an arrow’. This river flows east of Assyria. Assyria reveals himself in Scripture as a rebel against God and the enemy of God’s people (Isaiah 10:5; 12). But also to this hostile people comes the grace of God fast like an arrow (Isaiah 19:23-25).

The fourth river is called “Euphrates”, which means ‘sweetly’ or ‘sweet water’. Where it flows, is not mentioned here. The Euphrates will be the north-eastern border of Israel in the realm of peace (Genesis 15:18). This again determines us by the general blessing that God has for every human being and for the whole earth. In order to participate in it, repentance and faith are necessary, but the call to participate may be made to all people, without exception.

Genesis 2:20

Task and Commandment

The LORD God puts man in the garden to enjoy all that He has made for him. The word for “put” has to do with peace. God puts man in the rest of paradise. He is also given the task to cultivate the garden and to keep it.

God gives man only one commandment: He shall not eat from only one tree. By keeping this commandment, he can show that he is obedient to God. By doing so he recognizes God as his Superior. It is also the condition to continue to enjoy the blessing. Obedience is for man in all times, even now, the condition to be blessed.

Genesis 2:21

Task and Commandment

The LORD God puts man in the garden to enjoy all that He has made for him. The word for “put” has to do with peace. God puts man in the rest of paradise. He is also given the task to cultivate the garden and to keep it.

God gives man only one commandment: He shall not eat from only one tree. By keeping this commandment, he can show that he is obedient to God. By doing so he recognizes God as his Superior. It is also the condition to continue to enjoy the blessing. Obedience is for man in all times, even now, the condition to be blessed.

Genesis 2:22

Task and Commandment

The LORD God puts man in the garden to enjoy all that He has made for him. The word for “put” has to do with peace. God puts man in the rest of paradise. He is also given the task to cultivate the garden and to keep it.

God gives man only one commandment: He shall not eat from only one tree. By keeping this commandment, he can show that he is obedient to God. By doing so he recognizes God as his Superior. It is also the condition to continue to enjoy the blessing. Obedience is for man in all times, even now, the condition to be blessed.

Genesis 2:23

Adam Gets His Wife

Before Adam feels the lack of his wife (Genesis 2:20b), God has already expressed the purpose to give her to him (Genesis 2:18). Adam gives the animals names. A name expresses the character of the animal. This shows the deep insight Adam has in God’s works.

The word “helper” is not a derogatory expression for the woman. God Himself is also called “help” (Psalms 33:20; Psalms 70:5; Psalms 115:9). That she is “suitable to him” or literally “as one opposite him” means that she is also created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).

Then God gives Adam his wife. God does not do this by forming Eve out of the dust of the earth just like Adam. Then she would be independent of Adam. He forms Eve from Adam. He does not do this out of his head, for she is not his superior. Nor does he make her out of his feet, for she is not his slave. He forms her from his side. She is therefore someone of equal value, standing beside him. She is his “opposite”, as it literally says.

To be able to give Adam his wife, God puts him in a deep sleep, a death-sleep. Here we have a beautiful picture of the way in which the Lord Jesus received the church as His wife. That is through His death on the cross (Ephesians 5:25).

By forming Adam first and then Eve, God establishes the rank order that He wants to see maintained in creation. With this He determines that the man is the head of creation and also of the woman. Paul draws that conclusion unambiguously in his first letter to the Corinthians and his first letter to Timothy, while also indicating the purpose for which the woman was created (1 Corinthians 11:8-9; 1 Timothy 2:11-13).

Genesis 2:24

Adam Gets His Wife

Before Adam feels the lack of his wife (Genesis 2:20b), God has already expressed the purpose to give her to him (Genesis 2:18). Adam gives the animals names. A name expresses the character of the animal. This shows the deep insight Adam has in God’s works.

The word “helper” is not a derogatory expression for the woman. God Himself is also called “help” (Psalms 33:20; Psalms 70:5; Psalms 115:9). That she is “suitable to him” or literally “as one opposite him” means that she is also created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).

Then God gives Adam his wife. God does not do this by forming Eve out of the dust of the earth just like Adam. Then she would be independent of Adam. He forms Eve from Adam. He does not do this out of his head, for she is not his superior. Nor does he make her out of his feet, for she is not his slave. He forms her from his side. She is therefore someone of equal value, standing beside him. She is his “opposite”, as it literally says.

To be able to give Adam his wife, God puts him in a deep sleep, a death-sleep. Here we have a beautiful picture of the way in which the Lord Jesus received the church as His wife. That is through His death on the cross (Ephesians 5:25).

By forming Adam first and then Eve, God establishes the rank order that He wants to see maintained in creation. With this He determines that the man is the head of creation and also of the woman. Paul draws that conclusion unambiguously in his first letter to the Corinthians and his first letter to Timothy, while also indicating the purpose for which the woman was created (1 Corinthians 11:8-9; 1 Timothy 2:11-13).

Genesis 2:25

Adam Gets His Wife

Before Adam feels the lack of his wife (Genesis 2:20b), God has already expressed the purpose to give her to him (Genesis 2:18). Adam gives the animals names. A name expresses the character of the animal. This shows the deep insight Adam has in God’s works.

The word “helper” is not a derogatory expression for the woman. God Himself is also called “help” (Psalms 33:20; Psalms 70:5; Psalms 115:9). That she is “suitable to him” or literally “as one opposite him” means that she is also created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).

Then God gives Adam his wife. God does not do this by forming Eve out of the dust of the earth just like Adam. Then she would be independent of Adam. He forms Eve from Adam. He does not do this out of his head, for she is not his superior. Nor does he make her out of his feet, for she is not his slave. He forms her from his side. She is therefore someone of equal value, standing beside him. She is his “opposite”, as it literally says.

To be able to give Adam his wife, God puts him in a deep sleep, a death-sleep. Here we have a beautiful picture of the way in which the Lord Jesus received the church as His wife. That is through His death on the cross (Ephesians 5:25).

By forming Adam first and then Eve, God establishes the rank order that He wants to see maintained in creation. With this He determines that the man is the head of creation and also of the woman. Paul draws that conclusion unambiguously in his first letter to the Corinthians and his first letter to Timothy, while also indicating the purpose for which the woman was created (1 Corinthians 11:8-9; 1 Timothy 2:11-13).